SGPC against acquiring gurdwara land in Tarn Taran for highway

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed its opposition to the proposed move of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to acquire the premises and land of a historic gurdwara in Tarn Taran district for the four laning of National Highway-15 (NH-15) that connects Port of Kandla in Gujarat with Pathankot in Punjab.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed its opposition to the proposed move of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to acquire the premises and land of a historic gurdwara in Tarn Taran district for the four laning of National Highway-15 (NH-15) that connects Port of Kandla in Gujarat with Pathankot in Punjab.

In a letter addressed to union surface transport and aviation minister Nitin Gadkari, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar on Sunday said, "The gurdwara was raised in memory of Baba Hazoora and Baba Hukam Singh, who were martyred by the British during the 'Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar' or 'Akali Lehar' movement. This shrine has a great deal of sentiment value for Sikhs. Hence, we request you that the premises and the land of the shrine should not be acquired for four-laning of NH-15. This will lead to the demolition of the shrine," the SGPC chief goes on to say in the letter.

Welcoming the project, Makkar requested Gadkari to instruct the NHAI to bring about changes in the alignment of the highway so that the gurdwara is saved.

Makkar also pointed out that there was a great deal of resentment among the residents of Alladinpur after they learnt that the shrine may be demolished for widening the highway.

Highway goes up to Gujarat port

The NH-15 stretches up to the port of Kandla in Gujarat and is used by trucks for transportion of goods from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and even Haryana and back.